Saturday, April 29, 2023

Rockstar Book Tours presents... TALK OF THE TOWN by Jennifer Bardsley - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Today, I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the latest tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. It features a Contemporary Romance with a dash of Romcom that'll have you gasping and laughing in equal measure. Check out my review, visit the other sites on your, and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

TALK OF THE TOWN
by
Jennifer Bardsley

Pub. Date: April 11, 2023

Publisher: Montlake

Formats: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 379

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/TALK-OF-THE-TOWN

In this lighthearted romance filled with small-town humor and high jinks, an unsuspecting real estate agent becomes the wildest dream come true for all the single moms—except the one he wants.

They’re coworkers, friends, and confidants, but Peter Marshal has always pined for a little something more with Noelle Walters. As a widow and a single mom, Noelle prefers to play it safe, and falling for Peter was never part of the plan.

Then again, neither of their plans accounted for the well-meaning but meddling actions of Peter’s sister, who offers him up as their town’s most eligible bachelor in the local moms’ Facebook group. He’s none the wiser about the source of this sudden surge in attention, but he only has eyes for Noelle. And from where she’s standing on the sidelines of Peter’s popularity, it’s getting harder to pretend that she doesn’t see what everyone else sees in her best friend.

With all eyes on them, will Peter and Noelle finally see beyond the hurdles to the happily ever after that’s been there all along?



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Friends to lovers trope anyone?
Yes please!

For those that don't do slow burn 🔥 ... well you might just have to if you want to experience this one, but trust me, there's enough sibling meddling, school mom hijinks, childhood rivalries, and lumberjanes with their wannabe pimp boss to keep you entertained (seriously, watch for the little league field scene and an Alaskan hello!)! 😂 

I, for one, liked getting to know both our lead characters in their own environments, their own lives, before seeing their potential as a couple. Sometimes their personalities can merge so much once they hit RELATIONSHIP status that you never quite know where one ends and the other begins. Noelle is a widow with a great kid, a good career, and love to spare. She could use some friends, but doesn't mourn the lack thereof, especially with how petty some of those in town can be, however she is still mourning her lost husband. There's been time since, but her heart hasn't quite healed on its own...but there is someone that just might be a great help. Enter Peter, our leading man... had a rough-ish start in life, grew beyond that in means, if not emotions, a great career, a family unit he loves, and uncommitted... though he certainly only has eyes for one person in particular. No, not Lexie, or Corine, or anyone else his meddling sister places in his path...no it's the one she doesn't want him interested in. Go figure. The antics that ensue are priceless, and seeing their relationship transform from coworkers to friends to perhaps something more was SO worth the wait!

A great summer read to wile away a weekend, and a perfect fit for Contemporary Romance fans that love memorable characters.





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About Jennifer Bardsley:

Jennifer Bardsley believes in friendship, true love, and the everlasting power of books. A graduate of Stanford University, she lives in Edmonds, Washington, with her husband and two children. Bardsley’s column, I Brake for Moms, has appeared in the Everett Herald every week since 2012. She also writes young adult paranormal romance under the pen name Louise Cypress. When Bardsley is not writing books or camping with her Girl Scout troop, you can find her walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets.

To find out more, visit www.jenniferbardsley.com or join her Facebook reader group, Jennifer Bardsley’s Book Sneakers.

 

Subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletter!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~

1 winner will receive a finished copy of TALK OF THE TOWN, US Only.

Ends May 6th, midnight EST.



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Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online store, or plan a trip to your local brick and mortar! Catch the rest of the tour for more!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/1/2023

The Momma Spot

Excerpt or Guest Post

 Week Two:

4/2/2023

Writer of Wrongs

Excerpt or Guest Post

4/3/2023

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt or Guest Post/IG Post

4/4/2023

Author Z. Knight’s Guild

Excerpt or Guest Post/IG Post

4/5/2023

@jael_and_jenessa_reads

Review/IG Post

4/6/2023

Crandom

Excerpt or Guest Post/IG Post

4/7/2023

@allyluvsbooksalatte

IG Post

4/8/2023

Reads by Radus

Excerpt/IG Post/TikTok Post

 Week Three:

4/9/2023

@dastardly.reads

Review/IG Post

4/10/2023

Rajiv's Reviews

Review/IG Post

4/11/2023

@fieldstone_lfl

IG Post

4/12/2023

Lifestyle of Me

Review

4/13/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

4/14/2023

The Book View

Review/IG Post

4/15/2023

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

 Week Four:

4/16/2023

onemused

IG Post

4/17/2023

NeverKnotReading

IG Review

4/18/2023

Secretreadinglife

IG Review

4/19/2023

Breysreviews

Review/IG Post

4/20/2023

laura's bookish life

Review/IG Post

4/21/2023

More Books Please blog

Review/IG Post

4/22/2023

jeff_of_allmedia

IG Post

 Week Five:

4/23/2023

Tracey Reads and Rambles

Review/IG Post

4/24/2023

@thrillersandhistoricalfiction

IG Review

4/25/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic

4/26/2023

@carlysunshinebooks

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic

4/27/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

4/28/2023

Brandi Danielle Davis

IG Review/TikTok Post

4/29/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

 Week Six:

4/30/2023

@jypsylynn

IG Review



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Friday, April 28, 2023

RRR presents... SECOND CHANCES by Miriam McGuirk - AUTHOR Q&A!


Start your day off right with Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers and Rachel's Random Resources as we shine the book spotlight on a title all about second chances. From title to topic, it gets the point home, so catch a glimpse below and KEEP READING for the special Q&Awith the author herself!



Second Chances 
by
Miriam McGuirk


About the book...
Second Chances is a touching tale that takes us on a journey from India to Kent, UK, following the intertwined lives of the residents who live on the same road.  

At the heart of the story is Molly—kind-hearted, resilient, and determined to make a fresh start after her husband Rory leaves her and their son Jamie.  

But when Jamie disappears on the day they were supposed to move to Kent, Molly's new life takes an unexpected turn. 

As Molly settles into her new community, she befriends her neighbours, Florence and Colonel Bryce Beckwith, who share their own stories of love, loss, and longing for second chances.  
The three of them navigate their regrets and come to realise that it's never too late to make a change. 

Second Chances is a poignant, multigenerational tale of connections and community, showcasing the unbreakable human spirit and the hope that can come from taking a leap of faith. 





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~~~  Q&A with Author Miriam McGuirk ~~~


1.  What kind of research did you have to do before you began to write Second Chances? 
 
I researched the history of 1947 in India, Partition, and England following the 2nd world war.  What was life and work like in London and the north of England. And I discovered that Rhubarb was famously grown there.  I needed to remind myself of the 1960’s and 70’s by going to my local library and speaking to my sister about tales of that time. 



2. What is a typical day for you? 

I have a strict routine of how I write, exercise, eat and live each day. I like to work early in the morning when I am most energised. In summer, I am in my writing cave which is ten steps away from the house around 5am. Following a short ramble, I enjoy a protein based breakfast and a few cups of organic coffee. And then it’s back to the page until 11am. I head to the nearby beach a few times a week to swim and walk again. It is my healing and recharging space that allows me time to reflect. I step away from my desk at 3pm.   I avoid working in the evenings unless it is an emergency or a zoom update with my publisher, based on the west coast of the USA.  



3. What do you like to read? 

I read a diverse range of books :- Good writing, great storytelling with sprinkles of humour speaks to me, whatever the genre. A sense of place and description are also important. Sometimes, I end up reading a book that conjures up how I am feeling, my own experiences, and what I need to learn or remember. 

A few of the many authors and good reads that have captured my attention: - Philip Pullman 
Sally Vickers 
Ann Patchett  
Kate Atkinson 



4. If you could re unite with one person from your past, who would it be. 

My special father-in Law. A warm, kind, and wise man who was like a father to me. He was a constant support for twenty-one years, both with a gentle doctor’s point of view and enthusiastically he supported and had a keen interest in my writing life. 



5. What has become a hobby in the last years? 

My father studied Art and Sculpture and Photography. One of his passions, was black and white photography, the photos he developed himself.  

With little interest until I moved and lived in south-west Turkey, in a traditional village, up a mountain, I embraced nature, seascapes, and the rich tapestry of eastern culture. Living a simple life and connecting with the people who lived in the village, I grabbed the opportunities to take photographs. With concentration and patience, I taught myself to take quality photos. Along with the photos I post on social media, without doubt this is my new hobby. 

I enjoy black and white photographic exhibitions too.





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About the author...


Born in Dublin, there has been a constant thread of writing and storytelling running through Miriam’s life. She proudly nurtures her ability to tell stories thanks to her Irish heritage.  

Miriam lives in the historical town of Rye, East Sussex with her husband, Chris, spending time in her Writing Cave where only her characters join her.  

When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, cooking, sea swimming, and walking along the healing coast. 


Follow Miriam on www.miriammcguirk.com 



   



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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you, and to the author for the guest post to share! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Thursday, April 27, 2023

Pump Up Your Book presents... MERMAID BEACH by Sheila Roberts - REVIEW + EXCERPT!


Alrighty guys and gals!

Back for round two, and as I said before, this one has another strong, independent, take nothing from no one leading lady...times three!  Yep, that's right.  It's a trio of women that star in this story, available now via Harlequin Books and currently on tour with Pump Up Your Book, and it definitely makes it triple your reading pleasure!  Ladies and gents, be prepared to dance, sing, and possibly swoon, as our featured title takes center stage...

 

Mermaid Beach
Moonlight Harbor series, Book 7
by
Sheila Roberts
Harlequin Mira
Release Date:  April 25, 2023


About the book...
Bonnie Brinks and her all-woman band, The Mermaids, are the pride of Moonlight Harbor. They’re the house band at The Drunken Sailor, and that’s just the right amount of fame for Bonnie. A lifetime ago, she went to Nashville to make it big, but she returned home with a broken heart and broken dreams. Now she’s got a comfortable life and a brilliant daughter, Avril, who plays for The Mermaids alongside Bonnie and Bonnie’s mother, Loretta.

Avril has big dreams of her own. Her life in Moonlight Harbor is good–she loves singing and playing guitar with The Mermaids, and she has the sweetest, most loyal boyfriend a girl could ask for–but it all feels so…small. She can’t help wondering if there’s something more out there for her. And she doesn’t understand why her mom won’t support her going to Nashville to find out.

Meanwhile, Bonnie threw in the towel on her love life long ago, but Loretta sure hasn’t. She’s determined to be swept off her feet, and she wants the same for her daughter. When the hunky new owner of The Drunken Sailor turns the tables on the band and Avril announces she’s leaving Moonlight Harbor, Bonnie’s comfortable life seems to be drifting away. Will these three generations of Mermaids find their happy endings on the Washington coast? Or will the change in the winds leave them all shipwrecked?

“Blooming with heartfelt charm and swoon-worthy moments…” Woman’s World Magazine








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I admit, I've been a little lax in reading the tales of Moonlight Harbor, but it's certainly not for a lack of interest.  Just check my site for two previous trips I've taken through the pages to this gorgeous small town...both were memorable for their own reasons/stories, and the same can be said about this one!

The Mermaids aren't fish-tailed females luring sailor to the watery depths, but a trio of Brinks women taking the local stage by storm.  Three generations of these ladies rock out the classics, requests, and original songs, while living life in this coastal hideaway.  Interesting choice of words there, although they are my own words, because HIDEAWAY is exactly what each of them are doing.  Loretta from the truth that seems to be staring her in the face, at least when the occasion is just the two of them because lord knows he never makes an appearance when friends or family are concerned. Fishy indeed!  Bonnie from her dreams because once upon a time saw her hurt and humbled, heading back to the sanctuary she knew inside and out to lick her proverbial wounds and live a big small life (no, that's not a typo).  Avril from her family despite the fact that she is surrounded by them.  She longs to head to Nashville like her friend Gina (😁), and while the risk of failure is scary, the damage she'd do to her family weighs more heavily than she knows.  They each have things to face, and lessons to learn...about living for the moment, following their true paths, and letting go...but once they look those challenges in the "eye", they'll get to reap everything which they sowed.

A great reading escape for a weekend, and a wonderful addition to a series that continues to grow and flourish, much like the residents of this gorgeous little town!  If you can't find yourself in some of its residents, you aren't looking hard enough.  😉




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~~~   Excerpt   ~~~  


LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? MEET J.J. AND BONNIE

It was a pleasant ride to the beach. Once he was off I-5 he was on highways that took him through stands of evergreens and logging towns with small houses, many of them forty years old, many of which were being refurbished.

Then he hit Moonlight Harbor with its crazy stone pillars at the entrance, still standing from when the town was first developed in the sixties. The place was a mixture of funky old and upbeat new, the buildings from both eras catering to visitors with restaurants, moped rentals, shops and a fun plex that offered bumper cars and go-carts for entertainment. A family of deer grazed on the grass in the meridian between the two one-way streets running through the town.

Another ten minutes and he was pulling into the driveway of Lee’s beach digs, a three-bedroom rambler with rock for lawn encased in a white picket fence. Lee and his wife were ready for him with a proper Thanksgiving leftover meal of turkey sandwiches, dressing and gravy, and cranberry sauce. Seeing the way they looked at each other about gave him heartburn. 

His ex had looked at him like that about a million years ago. Stupid, fool him. He was a walking morality tale, an example of what happened when a man wound up married to his job instead of his woman. If only she’d given him a fair chance to right that ship. 

“How’s your sandwich?” Glinda asked.

“Great,” he said. “Thanks. And thanks for inviting me down.”

“Sometimes a man’s gotta get some new scenery,” said Lee.

After they ate Glinda made them clean up the kitchen and left to check on things at the pub for Lee and hang out with some girlfriends. 

“She’s a great woman,” J.J. said. 

“That she is,” agreed Lee. “They’re still out there, dude.”

J.J. gave a cynical chuckle. “Yeah, I’m holding my breath.”

“While you’re holding your breath let’s play some cribbage. Tomorrow I’ll take you out to eat.”

They settled down with whiskey and cards and it was a pleasant evening. It sure beat sitting around the condo wondering if he ought to check out an internet dating site.

Saturday found him out on the beach in boots and a thick jacket with his buddy, working a clam gun to capture the elusive razor clam. A weak sun was out and the sand was damp and muddy and the air was crisp. A perfect day. They weren’t the only ones who thought so. The beach was thick with people, all in search of the same delight. 

“You should move down here,” Lee said, as he tossed a clam in their bucket. He wasn’t much taller than J.J. and was built like a tank. In their college days he’d mowed down his opponents on the football field just like one. He’d gotten his education thanks to a college scholarship. J.J. had waited tables and worked in restaurant kitchens. Glinda had already informed him he would be in charge of making the clam chowder for lunch.

“Yeah? So I can grow moss like you? It’s always wet.”

“Not in the summer.”

“Yeah, well let me know when you figure out how to make it summer all year long,” J.J. said.

“Oh, come on. You know you loved it when we went over to Westhaven and went fishing.”

“Just thinking about that halibut we caught makes my mouth water,” J.J. said.

“Fishing, clamming, kayaking on the canals, golfing – it’s the life.”

J.J. brushed the sand off his hands and studied his friend. “Why do I feel like I’m sitting in on a time share pitch?”

Lee shrugged and chuckled. “Just sayin’ it’s a good life down here.”

“For you. You got a great wife and your daughters live nearby.”

Lee sobered. “It sucks that things went sideways with Eloise.”

“It’s been three years. I’m over it.”

“Yeah? You sure?”

“Sure I’m sure. My life’s good. I like my freedom. Got no woman nagging me, no obligations.”

“That bad, huh?”

J.J. gave a rueful smile and shook his head. “Okay, so it’s not perfect.”

“Maybe you need a change.”

“Okay, what’s the hidden agenda?”

“No hidden agenda,” Lee said and suddenly got busy checking to see if they’d reached their limit of clams.

Yep, there was a hidden agenda.

Glinda proved it when, after lunch she said, “Aren’t you tired of city living yet, J.J.?”

He set down his glass of beer and looked from one to the other. “Spill, you two. What’s up?”

They exchanged guilty looks. “Well,” Lee said, “Just thought you might be interested in a new business opportunity.”

“Oh, no. You got sucked into a pyramid scheme,” J.J. said in horror. 

Lee made a face. “No.”

“The pub’s failing. You need a silent partner. No problem.” It would be the least he could do. He’d helped his buddy get into this mess.

J.J. had come down to Moonlight Harbor ten years earlier when his pal had told him about the little beach town pub he wanted to buy, had looked over the books with Lee and the owner, then given it a thumbs up, although he’d been concerned about Lee getting into the restaurant business. 

“It’s a tough business,” he’d cautioned. “When you buy a restaurant, it owns you.” He knew that from personal experience. 

“I can make a go of it,” Lee had said. “We want out of the city and Glinda’s up for it.”

“Okay, then,” J.J. had said.

He’d shared his expertise with his friend and Lee had done okay. But they hadn’t talked much in the last couple of years. Between getting divorced and getting his feet back under him J.J. had been a little distracted. Obviously, Lee’s investment had gone south.

“The pub’s doing great,” Lee said. 

Well, so much for that conclusion. “Then what’s up?”

“What’s up is that it’s time to sell the business. The girls are grown and one’s had the nerve to move out of state. Glinda wants to start traveling.”

“You want your life back.”

Lee chuckled. “Something like that. I was thinking maybe you might want yours back, too.”

So this was where they were going. J.J. held up a hand. “Oh, no. No more restaurants. Too much work.”

“Yeah, and you’re so busy.”

“I’ll admit I’m kind of at loose ends, but I don’t think I want to work that hard.”

“I’ve already done all the hard work.”

“Yeah, right.” When you owned a business, it owned you. And restaurants …

“Never mind,” said Lee. “Let’s go play some pool. You can check out the house band.”

“You got a house band? What are they, a bunch of grungy kids in their twenties?”

Lee smiled at that. “Not quite. It’s a chick band.”

“A chick band. Interesting. So, three grungy chicks in their twenties.”

“Nope. Mother, daughter and granddaughter. They had another but she’s off to Nashville to try and become a star. They’re still good though, especially the lead singer. That woman sings like an angel, sometimes like a little devil. And she is something fine to look at. They’ve really been packing in the crowds on the weekend.”

“That’s good.”

“The place is doing well,” said Lee. “I know you shouldn’t do business with friends, but since you were in the restaurant business and since you’re the man with the business degree, I thought I’d give you first crack at it.” He suddenly looked wistful. “I kind of hate to let the place go. It’s like losing a part of me.”

J.J. nodded. “I know how you feel. I hated to let go of my places. Did it all for nothing,” he said bitterly.

His words brought on an awkward silence. He should have kept his shit to himself. He shook off the downer moment. “Let’s shoot some pool.”

“Good idea,” said Lee. “And, J.J., I get you not wanting to get sucked into this business again. I’d have liked you to be the one who takes over The Drunken Sailor, but no worries. The right owner will show up.”

Maybe the right owner had showed up, J.J. thought as they drank beer and waited their turn at one of the pool tables. The place was packed. Lots of out of towners, but Lee said he had a ton of regulars who came in during the week as well. Line dancing lessons were offered on Sunday afternoons followed by line dancing. A lot of the old guys came in mid-week to play darts and Lee had recently started a Ladies night, with half-off on drinks on Tuesdays and pool lessons taught by some of the better players, including a guy named Seth Waters, who had been regular before he got married. According to Lee, he still came in to play pool on Sundays while his wife and her girlfriends line danced.

“You’ve done a great job of making this the place to be,” J.J. said as they moved to take their turn at a table that had opened up.

“I like to think so,” said Lee. “Thank God I got lots of good free advice from a pro when I first started.

“What are friends for?” J. J. responded. He selected a cue stick and chalked it up.

“Go ahead and break,” Lee said. 

J.J. took aim at the cue ball, sending it clacking into the others. He sunk one of the striped ones and then proceeded to clean the table.

“Save some for me,” Lee protested.

“Oh, yeah, I can’t let you lose. It would hurt your delicate feelings,” J.J. taunted.

“And then I’d hurt your delicate nose,” Lee shot back.

J.J. did miss the next ball. He stood back and let Lee take his turn.

It was the end of the game for him because he caught sight of a woman with long, red hair, a face that would launch a thousand ships, and legs that wouldn’t quit walking into the place. She wore a short black leather jacket, hanging open to reveal a lowcut green top cover a very nice rack. Those fine legs were encased in tight jeans. She wore black boots that made him think of pirates and was carrying a guitar case. Holy Moly! Was that a member of the band Lee had told him about?

Lee caught him staring. “That’s Bonnie Brinks, one of The Mermaids.”

“I wouldn’t mind hooking her on my line.”

“Fat chance. She’s a smiling ice maiden. Been single for years.”

“Maybe she’s tired of being single,” J.J. mused.

“Don’t hold your breath. But hey, she sure dresses up the place.”

“That was probably about all she did. Lee had a tin ear. He’d probably hired the woman for her looks.

Behind her came a younger woman, tall like Bonnie but with darker coloring. Also a looker. And next to her walked a woman who’d never gotten the memo that she was a senior citizen, also wearing tight jeans and heels high enough to trip Tina Turner. She sported spiky white hair and the tips of the spikes were colored green. The mother. His mother sure didn’t look like that. This woman probably had every old geezer in the place ready to take her out. With all three women being so striking maybe nobody cared what they sounded like.

“Had enough pool?” asked Lee.

“I think I’ll go over to the bar and get another drink,” J.J. said.

He snagged the last seat at the bar, one near the end next to a scruffy old dude in faded jeans and a peacoat, ordered another beer, and watched as the women tuned up. They couldn’t sound as good as they looked.

“The band’s good,” the old guy said. “They sing good, too,” he said and chortled over his crack.

“You know them?” J.J. asked.

“Of course. Everybody knows everybody here,” the old guy informed him.

“Looks like this is a popular place,” J.J. observed.

“Best burgers in town. Plus they have a senior menu.”

Lee came up behind J.J., hovering like a salesman in a used car lot. “Hey there, Pete. I see you’ve met my pal J.J. This is Pete,” Lee said to J.J. “He’s one of our regulars. He won our last darts tournament.”

“Beat out all the young pups,” Pete bragged. “You play darts?” he asked J.J.

“Don’t take the bait,” said Lee. “He’ll just sucker you into a friendly wager and take your shirt.”

“Aw, there you go, spoilin’ my fun,” Pete complained.

A full house and steady patrons. It would be kind of cool to own this pub. A lot of work and time consuming, but it wasn’t like he had much going on in his life anyway other than some day trading, hitting the gym and reading. In the last year he’d bought enough books to stock a small library. He needed something more to do. Lately, he felt like he was drifting with no purpose, no adventure on the horizon. What kind of adventures could he have here in Moonlight Harbor?

At nine on the dot the hot redhead stepped up to the mike and said, “Hey everyone, let’s get this party started.” She looked back at the granny on the drums, who began to bang her drumsticks together, counting off the beat, then the young girl hit the bass and the redhead began to bend those guitar strings all to hell. People rushed to the dance floor as she started to sing. “Get off your chair and get out here and shake your booty. You gotta start this party, so get out there and do your duty.”

J.J.’s heart went into overdrive. This place was a goldmine and Bonnie Brinks was the gold. What a voice! The woman was a super star. He wondered what she was doing buried in the sand of a small beach town.

“So whaddya think? The place is a good investment, right?”

“I’d say so,” said J.J. “Looks like the band is bringing in a lot of customers.”

“We had a lot of customers even before the band,” Lee said. “People want to eat at a casual place with lots of atmosphere when they’re at the beach.”

“You definitely got the atmosphere,” J.J. said. The goofy carved pirate statues were an obvious hit. He’d seen several people taking pictures with them. The pool tables had been in constant use since they’d walked in and the beer was flowing. Lee did have a going concern. The band and dance floor were a bonus. And what a bonus it was.

The women finally went on break, the older one stopping at a table to say hello to some people. The younger one went to plop down next to a super -sized young buck at a table near the band stand where a glass of pop was already waiting. A boyfriend, of course. The guitar queen headed for the bar, stopping for a quick word here and there, deflecting a fat lounge lizard, nodding and smiling at something another patron said.

She came up to the end of the bar next to J. J. and Lee. “Great job as always, Bonnie,” Lee said.

“Thanks,” she said. Then to the bartender, “Got my Diet Coke, Madison?”

“On its way,” the woman said and got busy getting her drink.

“You’ve got a great band,” J. J. said to Bonnie.

“Thanks, we try,” she said. Her smile was stop sign. Not Interested so don’t even try.

What did he look like? Some middle-aged, desperate horn toad? He was just being friendly. There was no need to give him the ice treatment. 

He decided to turn the charm up a notch. “I always wanted to meet a mermaid.”

“Now you have,” she told him, still with the stop sign smile. The bartender set down her glass and Bonnie thanked her, the ice melting from her smile. But it was back again for J.J. “Try the garlic fries here,” she said to him. “They’re great.” Then she left before he could get in another word.

Mermaids were not so easy to catch. 

“Don’t put her on the welcoming committee,” J.J. muttered.

“Told ya,” said Lee.

Slick and charming and no ring on his finger, which, considering his age which she figured to be somewhere around hers, probably had to mean he’d ditched a wife somewhere along the way, Bonnie decided as she walked to the band table. With those blue eyes and that red hair and matching, neatly trimmed beard, he looked like some kind of troubadour from the Elizabethan era. Add broad shoulders and a well sculpted chest and he was a regular pheromone factory. 

And that stupid line about catching a mermaid. Oh, yes, he was a charmer.

Who did that remind her of? Rance Jackson, of course. 

Let’s get to know him, urged her sex-starved hormones.

Not happening, she informed them. This was the kind of man who broke hearts – trouble in Levis. There would be no getting to know him.

Put a Mr. Yuck sticker on him and stay far away.




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About the Author...

USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-selling author Sheila Roberts has written over fifty books under various names, ranging from romance to self-improvement. Over three million books have been sold to date. Her humor and heart have won her a legion of fans and her novels have been turned into movies for both the Lifetime and Hallmark channels. When she’s not out dancing with her husband or hanging out with her girlfriends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends and chocolate.






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Special thanks to Dorothy of Pump Up Your Book for sponsoring this tour and the chance to bring it to you, and to the author for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via MIRA, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.


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